No. of Professionals Read This Article: 116

How IoT Is Shaping the Construction Industry?

The construction industry has followed traditional norms for many years. However, since the last decade we have seen a shift in this industry from traditional to more inclined towards technological advancements. Now, construction industry is also equipped with IoT devices. We can see these changes in the areas like architecture, design, and construction. This integration promotes a new era of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

IoT Integration in Design Perspective

Design of any building is the first and most important aspects. This design stage also helps to identify potential failure reasons and how to overcome them. Architects now tend to include sensors and IoT devices in the buildings during the drafting phase of any project. These sensors collect data like temperature and humidity which helps to adjust various building systems automatically.

However, architects must think about how these IoT-enabled features and devices should be integrated seamlessly into the whole design. This is done while keeping in mind the aesthetic and visual appeal of the building.

The user interface and interaction design of IoT-powered systems must be intuitive and user-friendly, seamlessly blending technology with the built environment. This is helpful for people with disabilities as they can control various devices through voice commands.

What are the Usage Areas?

After the design phase, the areas in which IoT integration is shaping the construction industry are:

Construction Site Monitoring

For decades, the construction industry has grappled with maintaining worker safety. Here, IoT provides the opportunity to improve construction worker safety and also foster productivity within the construction site.

Workers are now equipped with wearable IoT devices, such as smart helmets. These helmets can monitor workers’ movements, vital signs, and environmental conditions through integrated sensors. This information is quite useful during any emergency.

Equipment and Materials Tracking

IoT-enabled tracking devices allow construction managers to monitor the location and condition of valued assets, from heavy machinery to construction materials. This visibility helps diminish losses, streamline logistics, and maintain tight control of project resources.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modelling or BIM creates a simulation of how the building would look in real time by analyzing 3D data. Thus, IoT gives a complete view of the building system and performance. This information can be collected for simulating, optimizing, and maintaining all built environments throughout their lifecycle by architects and engineers.

Streamlined Project Management

IoT in construction industry helps architects, engineers, and construction teams to work together and take on the spot decisions. They can share data and give progress updates and provide any suggestions. Construction companies gain a better advantage with IoT because it improves efficiency, collaboration, and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

Smart and Sustainable Buildings

The results of IoT integration are seen in the smart buildings and infrastructures that are built while keeping sustainability in mind. The below mentioned examples show that the applications of IoT are far broader than just comfort.

Healthcare Infrastructure

IoT systems can monitor patient vitals remotely in the healthcare environment. It alerts medical personnel in emergencies, and hospital staff can control their surroundings via mobile apps or voice commands. All this integration aids in patient care, and productivity amongst staff.

Energy Saving Capabilities

The architecture that IoT supports promotes energy efficiency and cost savings and maintains environmental sustainability. Sensors and smart IoT systems monitor the usage of equipment and turn them off when not in use. They can help control lighting intensity, HVAC and other individual requirements based on readings from real time environment.

Waste Management

IoT-enabled waste management systems, like smart trash cans and compactors, can assist construction sites in managing and disposing of waste. These IoT systems improve the waste collection process through fill-level monitoring. Consequently, they notify when the containers need to be emptied, thereby enhancing sustainable waste management practices.

Disaster Planning

The integration of IoT technology during the architectural design process helps to enhance disaster resilience. Sensors in buildings could be used that may sense earthquakes, floods, and any other kind of disaster. In turn, an automated emergency response system would be activated. This will enable immediate evacuation and real-time information flow to affected people.

Safety and Security

The incorporation of surveillance cameras and access control systems, elevates the level of safety for building occupants. Access control systems allow only authorized personnel to enter in any high-security areas. Healthcare, government buildings, etc. can use such systems because these areas require high level security.

Transportation

The parking areas in the buildings can optimize vehicle arrangement through connected systems. This includes signal lights, parking sensors, and vehicle tracking systems using IoT technology.

Sustainable Practices and the Circular Economy

Principles of sustainable design and circular economy thinking are shaping how IoT is being integrated into design and construction. Buildings are now designed for adaptability, recycling, and virtually no carbon footprint creation. These new innovations require ongoing research and development to implement latest technologies. Continuous prototyping and testing can be helpful to generate better ideas for sustainable practices in construction industry.

Conclusion

We will soon witness this transformation of IoT and construction industry on a much larger scale. Therefore, this is the time when we have to change the very fundamentals of the way we design, construct, and operate our built environments. This integration of IoT technologies creates a future where efficiency, sustainability, user experience, and disaster resistance are the topmost priority. They act as guiding forces for construction industry to help make our building smarter and more sustainable.